Utilizing a contemporary higasa (Japanese solar parasol) has been proven to chop warmth by as much as 10 levels. Having been utilized in Japan for practically 2,000 years, we determined to have a look again on the folding cover’s colourful historical past.
The Historical past of the Higasa
Invented in Egypt over 4,000 years in the past, solar parasols have been first seen in Japan within the fourth century, after they have been utilized by the Japanese the Aristocracy. The primary higasa have been product of silk and used primarily for ceremonial functions.
Round 300 years later, within the Heian Interval (794-1185), the higasa paper method was launched to Japan from China. This growth step by step made them extra accessible and simpler to supply.
By the point of the Muromachi Interval (1336 to 1573), higasa have been utilized by many of the inhabitants. From aristocrats to farmers, it was seen as a technique to defend from the solar’s vibrant rays. It was particularly widespread for kids to make use of higasa. Come summertime an abundance of higasa might be seen displayed throughout generations.
Within the late 1500s, kids’s higasa have been elaborate with black lacquer handles, embellished with bells, tassels or different elaborations. Probably the most dominant colour was blue, although some variations included as much as 5 colours.
Controversy
Japanese parasols continued to develop in reputation and by the 1700s most youngsters had their very own for the new summer time. Higasa designs turned extra elaborate and detailed, with artisans portray colourful scenes and patterns onto the paper.
In 1749, the usage of the higasa for adults was banned in Kyoto by the shogunate. Regardless of this, manufacturing continued. In 1804, the gorgeous designs that had turn out to be widespread proved a sticking level as higasa use was additional banned below the ‘no luxurious items’ austerity coverage.
The prohibition unfold from Kyoto to different cities together with Osaka. The ban, nonetheless, had the alternative impact, ensuing within the higasa changing into much more fascinating. Then material parasols from the West arrived in 1868. Because of this, the normal paper Japanese higasa began to turn out to be scarce. It was saved for particular events, typically paired with a kimono.
Quick ahead to the twenty first Century and the principle kinds of higasa are product of nylon with a silver lining to guard the person from the solar.
Fashionable Higasa (Japanese Parasol)
Whereas the West has largely deserted the usage of the parasol, the customized lives on within the Land of the Rising Solar. It isn’t unusual to see women and men strolling the streets carrying what seems to be like an umbrella on a sunny day.
In Japan, which has not too long ago been seeing record-breaking sizzling temperatures and humidity, any technique to defend and cut back the blazing warmth is a blessing. Common warnings in opposition to warmth stroke are heard through loudspeakers all through cities and on the information. It is, subsequently, straightforward to see why Japanese solar parasols have been having fun with a resurgence in reputation.
As well as, trendy Japanese higasa for on a regular basis use are sturdy and are similar to umbrellas. Many double up as each, and might even be folded making them straightforward to hold round. The principle distinction is that devoted Japanese parasols have a silver lining or outer coating designed to deflect the warmth away from the individual under.
Utilizing trendy know-how, higasa makers declare that carrying a Japanese parasol for simply 10 minutes can cut back the warmth by as much as 12 levels. Some higasa manufacturers even incorporate supplies similar to titanium into the duvet itself, enabling warmth deflection of as much as 37 p.c.
Unisex Higasa
Traditionally, higasa have been utilized by all sexes however all through the twentieth Century, the picture of them being for ladies turned prevalent, with many ‘female’ designs together with lace.
This picture, nonetheless, has been altering. Manufacturers similar to Montbell, Yohji Yamamoto and Journal Normal have all launched their very own vary of unisex umbrellas, some marketed as being for each solar and rain.
Whereas there are new, branded higasa, previous paper kinds are nonetheless about, with some firms in Kyoto and Osaka painstakingly crafting them to at the present time. The fragile designs carry favor for photoshoots and one-off particular events.
After a surprisingly blended historical past, it appears the higasa is right here to remain.